Shitzu Poodle

Some Simple Do’s and Do Not’s for Training Your Shitzu Poodle

The shitzu poodle is a crossbreed dog with mixed qualities of the poodle and the shitzu. Although it’s impossible to know the exact qualities a pup will inherit from both species, the shitzu poodle is generally friendly and animated with high intelligence. Although it is fairly easy to train and housebreak this crossbreed, there are certain things you should know that will make the job all the easier.

General Behavior and Demeanor Tips

As stated before, the shitzu poodle is a friendly and animated dog that takes well to people. While you may think they would be yappy dogs, given their size and appearance, they are not given to needless barking. They are, however, very alert and because of this they make excellent watchdogs.

Shitzu poodles also have a tendency to have “little dog syndrome,” meaning that they almost seem to want to make up for their small size in overzealousness with larger dogs. They do not view their size as an obstacle in regards to other dogs, and will frequently take on a larger dog without a moment’s hesitation. This confidence is great if you would like yours to be a watchdog for your family, but you need to be careful and not exploit this trait or you may end up with an injured family pet should it get out of your yard.

Be the Alpha Dog

It is exceedingly important that you take on the role of the alpha dog, particularly with a shitzu poodle. The role of the alpha dog in a pack is to make the decisions for all the other members. If your dog isn’t sure who the boss is in your household, not only will he behave poorly, but he’ll also become high strung and stressed out. He will be much happier knowing that he can rely on you as the master and leader to handle any trouble and to make the big decisions. Establish dominance early on and you will save yourself a lot of training mishaps.

If you see your dog wanting to go for a walk, make it wait for you to get your shoes on and go through the door. Do not hop up as soon as he wants something. Remember: a true alpha dog would not scamper after one of the lower-rung dogs in a pack.

To Treat or Not to Treat

Using the occasional treat as motivation or reward can be a fantastic training tool for you and your dog. It is important to point out here, though, that most dog’s are more interested in their owner’s (be the alpha dog!) approval. The treat, be it a biscuit or a small piece of cheese, only acts as a reassurance that they are doing something you like. If you keep this in mind, you can easily see how improper use of treats can lead to many different training disasters.

For example, if you are overindulgent with your dog, you will alter their personality. A friendly, eager-to-please dog may become a snooty and arrogant tyrant. It may see you as weak, and then may try to impose their will on you.

Additionally, if you give your dog treats shortly after bad behavior, you may be confusing them or even training them to be bad. Use treats sparingly and wisely. You do not need to give your dog a treat every time it sits when you tell it to. Use your praise as the main reward. You’ll know you’re doing something right when you see his tail wagging eagerly when you give him a command and he follows it.